Practice question
Question
In a reverse-biased p-n junction, the dominant current is due to:
Explanation
**p-n junction formation** diffusion of holes from p to n and electrons from n to p leaves ionized donors positive on n-side and acceptors negative on p-side, forming space-charge depletion region with electric field directed from n to p (positive to negative), barrier potential V_b ≈0.3 V Ge, 0.7 V Si, opposes further diffusion, drift current due to minority carriers swept by field balances diffusion at equilibrium net current zero. In reverse bias, diffusion is suppressed, and the small current ( μ A ) is due to minority carriers drifting across the junction under the electric field. Substituting values gives Minority carrier drift, which matches
Discussion
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